Texas Board of Nursing

As a reminder, during the Texas 89th Legislature Session, SB 912 (https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00912F.pdf) was passed, requiring all nurses to track continuing education (CE) prior to renewal.

As the Texas Board of Nursing is working on the implementation of this new requirement, here is what we know so far:

Starting in September 2026, you will upload your CE certificates within your Texas Nurse Portal (https://txbn.boardsofnursing.org/txbn). No extra logins or accounts to maintain. Best of all, no extra subscriptions or fees!

This new process will take some time to roll out. Initial development is underway, focusing on a module for nurses to upload copies of their CE certificates. Later phases of development will aim to create a way for approved CE providers to upload completion certificates on behalf of a nurse.

• Uploading your CE for previous licensure cycles is not required. For licenses renewed in September 2026 or later, you will need to upload proof of your CE.
CE requirements remain the same; licensees will need to upload their certificates (not just those audited). Make sure your CE is from an approved provider—check our list (https://www.bon.texas.gov/faq_education_continuing_ed_and_competency.asp.html ) to be sure.

Board staff will continue to develop some concrete information on this new process, including a step-by-step guide for uploading CEs within the Texas Nurses Portal. As more information develops, we will share it on our website, our social media page, and in our Quarterly Bulletin ( https://www.bon.texas.gov/about_newsletters.asp.html)

The Texas Board of Nursing is currently experiencing a high volume of applications, calls, and messages due to the graduation season. Please expect delays in processing times for applications, phone responses, and portal message replies during this busy period.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as the Board works diligently to assist all applicants as quickly as possible. If you’re waiting for a response or application update, please allow extra time before following up.

What is considered patient abandonment?

The Texas Board of Nursing (BON or Board), in keeping with its mission to protect public health, safety, and welfare, holds nurses accountable for providing a safe environment for patients and others under their care ([22 TAC §217.11(1)(B)])(https://texas-sos.appianportalsgov.com/rules-and-meetings?$locale=en_US&interface=VIEW_TAC_SUMMARY&queryAsDate=09%2F11%2F2025&recordId=133132).

Although the Nursing Practice Act (NPA)(https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/OC/htm/OC.301.htm) and Board rules do not specifically define “abandonment,” the Board has investigated and disciplined nurses for issues related to abandonment as it pertains to the nurse’s duty to a patient (https://www.bon.texas.gov/practice_bon_position_statements_content.asp.html #15.6). This position applies to all licensed nurses in Texas—LVNs, RNs, and APRNs (including Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Midwives, and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists).

The Texas Board of Nursing will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day.

We will resume normal business operations the following day.

Important Information for APRNs Renewals!

If you’re an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) renewing your Texas license, here are some key points to help you avoid delays:

Visit the Texas Board of Nursing’s website for important information on keeping your nursing license current: (https://www.bon.texas.gov/licensure_renewal.asp.html)

• Read each renewal application questions carefully and make sure your answers are accurate. Double-check that your demographic and employment information in your Texas Nurse Portal account is correct and up to date during your application.
• Have an up-to-date/current RN license.
o Texas or non-compact state residents: Be sure to renew your Texas RN license first—it's required before you can renew your Texas APRN license.
o Compact state residents: Make sure your RN license from your home state is active with multistate privileges.
o If you’re moving between compact states, be sure to apply for a new license in your new Primary State of Residence (PSOR) within 60 days of relocating. Learn more in the Moving Scenarios Fact Sheet:(https://www.nursecompact.com/files/2018_Moving_Scenarios_Factsheet.pdf) and view the 60-Day Rule Information:(https://www.nursecompact.com/about.page ).
• Provide a clear copy of your current national certification.
• Stay current with your APRN practice by working at least 400 hours each licensing period. This can include practicing as an APRN in a clinical setting, teaching in advanced nursing programs (MSN or higher), or working as a consultant or administrator within your APRN scope.
o If you don’t meet the practice requirement, contact the Licensing Department via the Texas Nurse Portal Message Center (category: APRN – Renewal/Reinstatement) ahead of renewal for specific guidance.

Have questions about Telehealth and Nursing Practice?

The Texas Board of Nursing has answers! We’ve put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Telehealth (https://www.bon.texas.gov/faq_nursing_practice.asp.html ) and how it relates to nursing practice in Texas (https://www.bon.texas.gov/faq_nursing_practice.asp.html %20of%20Nursing).

Whether you’re new to virtual care or looking to clarify specific regulations, these FAQs can help you stay informed and confident in your practice.
Stay up to date and make sure your practice is in line with current guidelines. If you need further assistance, please visit the Texas Board of Nursing website.

Scam Alert Reminder

The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) has received reports of a fraudulent phone scheme targeting nurses. Scammers are calling nurses and falsely claiming that they are under investigation by the Board or that someone is using their credentials. The caller’s phone number may appear as the BON’s main number on Caller ID, but these calls are NOT from the Board.

REMEMBER: The Board will NEVER notify licensees of complaints or investigations by phone.

If you receive a suspicious call:
• Do not disclose any personal information.
• Collect as much information as possible about the caller, including any texts or written communication you receive.
• Try to obtain the caller’s actual phone number (not just the number displayed on Caller ID).

If you think you’ve been targeted, please report it using the following resources: Report the attempted fraud to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For more information, go to https://lnkd.in/dzCBV2jG, and contact the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) for the Attorney General of Texas. Visit https://lnkd.in/g5-UfZra for more information on phone scams and to file an Online Consumer Complaint.

Are you a nurse who believes you may be under investigation, or have you received notice of a complaint? Here’s what you need to know:

When a complaint is filed with the Texas Board of Nursing, it is carefully reviewed to determine if it falls within the Board’s authority. If the complaint moves forward, the nurse will be notified and given information about the process and their rights. The investigation is confidential and may involve gathering documents, interviews, and other steps to understand the situation.

For more details on the process, please watch this video (Courtesy of NCSBN): https://www.ncsbn.org/video/board-of-nursing-complaint-process-investigation-to-resolution

If you find yourself in this position, it’s important to stay informed, cooperate with the Board, and consider seeking guidance from a professional representative or legal counsel. For more details on the process and resources, visit the Texas Board of Nursing website.

Your cooperation and understanding are appreciated as the Board works to ensure safe and ethical nursing practice in Texas. For more information, please visit: https://www.bon.texas.gov/discipline_and_complaints_what_happens_when_a_complaint_gets_filed.asp.html

What is “Operation Nightingale”? -

On January 25, 2023, federal authorities launched a nationwide operation to stop the sale of fake nursing diplomas and transcripts. These fraudulent credentials, linked to Florida-based nursing schools, were used by some individuals to qualify for board exams and obtain nursing licenses in multiple states. More recently, there have been additional schools named and charges filed as phase 2 of the investigation continues.

The Texas Board of Nursing is actively working with partners to investigate and revoke licenses obtained through fraud. Protecting the public and the integrity of the nursing profession is our priority.

*Clarification: This article is not related to Nightingale College.

For more information please visit:
https://oig.hhs.gov/newsroom/media-materials/nightingale
https://www.bon.texas.gov/General_Information.asp.html and https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/enforcement/fraud-charges-filed-against-12-defendants-in-phase-ii-of-operation-nightingale/

Photo credit: https://oig.hhs.gov/newsroom/media-materials/nightingale/

NCLEX Preparation and FAQs

Getting ready for your NCLEX? The official NCLEX website offers a range of resources to help you prepare for exam day:

• Sample Questions: Try out NCLEX-style questions with the sample pack.
• Exam Preview: See how different item types fit into the overall exam format.
• Candidate Bulletin: Your start-to-finish NCLEX guide! Find important contact details, registration steps, rules, and information on results processing.
• Information Flyer: Learn about the Eight Steps of the NCLEX, what ID is accepted, and how to schedule or reschedule your appointment.
• Candidate Tutorial: Get familiar with the Pearson VUE exam software before test day.
• Test Plans: Dive deep into exam content, administration, and item writing tips.

Visit the NCLEX website (https://nclex.com/prepare.page) to access these tools and set yourself up for success!